Century Egg (Pidan)
A traditional Chinese egg that, despite its name, is actually fermented for a few weeks to a few months in a clay-lime-ash mixture. Fermentation turns the white into a dark jelly and the yolk into a creamy dark green.
What Is Century Egg (Pidan)?
Century egg (Chinese "pidan") is, despite its name, not preserved for hundreds of years but rather generally for a few weeks to a few months, coated in an alkaline mixture of clay, ash, lime, and salt — a traditional Chinese egg. It can be made with chicken or duck eggs.
This natural fermentation process transforms the egg's chemistry: the white becomes dark brown-translucent with a jelly-like consistency; the yolk turns creamy-dark green and develops an intense, sharp aroma. The process is not toxic — it is a traditional and safe preservation method.
Nutritional Values of Century Egg
100 g of century egg contains approximately 171 kcal of energy; it carries high protein, and due to the salt used in processing, its sodium level is also high. Values are approximate.
How Should Century Egg Be Consumed?
Century egg can be considered part of a balanced diet as a high-protein food; it is generally consumed in small slices as an accompaniment, not eaten in large amounts on its own.
This information is general; century egg is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Century Egg?
Good century egg has an intact shell (or clay coating, if present), a dark-translucent, jelly-like white once peeled, and does not smell overly sharp like ammonia. Eggs with a cracked shell or an overly sharp-rotten smell are not preferred.
- Shell/clay coating should be intact
- Once peeled, the white should be dark-translucent, jelly-like
- Smell should be distinct but not overly sharp-rotten
How Should Century Egg Be Stored?
Century egg in its shell can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks; once peeled, it is recommended to consume it the same day.
Using Century Egg in the Kitchen
Century egg is most often sliced and served over rice porridge (congee), as a plain accompaniment with soy sauce and ginger, and in some Chinese salads; its sharp, deep taste is balanced with other ingredients.
Is Century Egg Considered Spoiled?
No; the change in color and texture is the result of a controlled traditional fermentation process, not spoilage. Properly produced century egg is a product that can be safely consumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is century egg really aged for 100 years?
No; the name is figurative. The actual processing time ranges from a few weeks to a few months; the product's dark color and intense aroma give the impression it has aged for a very long time.
Is century egg eaten raw?
The fermentation process already brings the egg to a safe, edible state that is not "cooked" in the traditional sense; no additional cooking is needed, it is sliced and eaten directly.
Is century egg found in Turkey?
It is not common; it can be found in Asian markets selling Chinese products.